GOVERNMENT
Solon: Solon City Council promoted two police officers and authorized the city to pursue state funding for downtown sidewalks at its October 6 meeting.
Mayor Edward Kraus administered oaths of office to Lieutenant Steven Wagner and Sergeant Steven Davis. Wagner, who has served with the department for nearly 15 years, was promoted from sergeant to lieutenant. Davis, who joined the force in 2007, advanced from patrolman to sergeant.
Kraus emphasized the department’s practice of promoting from within, crediting former chiefs and Assistant Chief Donny Haynes for establishing this tradition.
Wagner thanked his family, including his father, a retired sergeant from the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department. Davis thanked his mother, mother-in-law, wife and two daughters for their support.
Council unanimously approved an application to the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency for Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative funding. The grant would support design work to install multi-purpose paths and sidewalks on Bainbridge Road from SOM Center Road to Solon Road, on Solon Road from Bainbridge Road to Station Street, and on Station Street.
PLANNING COMMISSION
Council approved several planning items on consent, including a lot split for RA Solon, LLC at a location on SOM Center Road, and multiple variances for a Dunkin’ Donuts location at 6353 SOM Center Road and for Drees Homes at 7450 White Oak Drive.
Two items were tabled at the applicants’ requests: a fence variance for property on Stone Creek Drive and variances for a Qdoba and Smoothie King development on Aurora Road.
PUBLIC WORKS
Council approved four consent items related to engineering and roadway work:
The city accepted proposals from Burgess and Niple for drainage studies on Birch Circle and Ridge Lane for $33,000, and for the Stonebridge Court overflow storm sewer project for $37,500.
Council also approved the final contract adjustment with Tri Mor Corporation for the 2024 emergency and miscellaneous roadway repair program, closing out the contract at $314,192.61. The completion date was adjusted to February 25.
A change order for the 2025 annual concrete repair program with CATTS Construction was approved under emergency for $30,625.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Fire Chief Todd announced the department’s annual open house on October 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Station 2 on SOM Center Road.
Service Director Bill Drusek reminded residents that leaf collection begins October 13 and typically runs through early December.
Mayor Kraus invited residents to an open house for the Michelangelo’s restaurant project on October 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Grantwood Golf Course. The restaurant’s owners will present information and answer questions ahead of the ballot issue vote.
Kraus praised the city’s fall festival, calling it one of the largest crowds he had seen at a city event. He thanked Recreation Director Rich Parker and the Center for the Arts director Tracy Sullivan for their work.
The mayor also marked the two-year anniversary of the October 7 tragedy in Israel, expressing hope for a lasting agreement and the return of hostages held in Gaza.
INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATES
Law Director Tom Roby praised the completion of the Solon Road reconstruction project, commending Tri Mor Corporation and City Engineer John Bush for their work. Roby said the project required extensive coordination with businesses and residents.
A resident thanked Councilman Jeremy Zellwein and city officials for addressing street repairs and sewer work on Highland Drive.
Council members encouraged residents to research the Michelangelo’s project firsthand and cautioned against relying solely on social media comments, noting that many negative commenters do not live in the city.
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